The Impatient Lord by Michelle M. Pillow Page B

customary to wear the garments in the morning light, but neither was there a law against it. Mirek had already changed his loincloth from the night before into breeches, but he wore no shirt. Mede glanced behind her throne toward the forest, clearly looking for her husband. When his uncle the king didn’t appear, she said, “Proceed.”
    Mirek took the c rystal from his neck and pressed it into Riona’s hand. “Break this.”
    She lifted the glowing crystal, studied it and then grabbed hold with both hands. Pressing her thumbs up, she cracked it into two. The light faded. The crowd cheered.
    “ Ow,” Riona gasped, sticking her thumb into her mouth. Mirek detected the scent of blood. She’d cut herself. Blinking heavily, she looked at him and then the crowd. “What…? What am I doing here?”
    “ Welcome to the family of Draig, Lady Riona. I hope you will enjoy your new home,” the queen said.
    Confusi on passed over Riona’s face as she glanced at the queen and then Mirek. “But…?”
    The queen stood from her throne and came to Mirek. Placing a hand on her nephew’s arm, she squeezed it tight. There was no other indication that she was displeased as she smiled brightly at them. Under her breath, she ordered, “Mirek, there is a reason we send fresh clothing to the tents. You may enjoy your bride in such a state, but stop whatever game you play and give her the tunic dress.” She eyed his clothing dispassionately. “And change into your formal attire as well. You look as if you’re about to run straight home dragging this poor woman behind you. I expected better of you, Ambassador.”
    Mirek nodded, unable to help his grin of excitement. “ Yes, my queen. She may have whatever she wishes.”
    “ Good. See to it. If I get a report that you are not treating her properly, I will not be pleased.” The queen let go and moved to take her seat just as the king reappeared. The royal couple spoke in low tones as the queen explained what had happened in his absence.
    “ What am I doing on stage?” Riona whispered. A tiny trail of blood ran down her uplifted finger, but she didn’t seem to notice it.
    Mirek took her by the arm and led her quickly from the onlookers. “ Don’t worry. It’s done. We’re all right. The blessing has been received.”
    “ What’s done?” she asked, as he pulled her past the crowd toward the tents. “Blessing?”
    “ They didn’t suspect,” he said. “We’re all right.”
    Riona jerked her arm from him, refusing to walk farther. “Who are you, crazy man? What is all right?”
    “ Lord Miroslav, Ealdorman of Draig,” Mirek answered. Joy like he’d never known exploded within him, filling his heart. Nothing could take away his happiness. Nothing. “You may call me Mirek. I am your husband. We are wed.”
     
    * * *
     
    I am your husband. We are wed.
    Riona stared at the disconcerting man before her. Surely that is not what she’d heard. Her mind felt a little fuzzy, like when she’d spent three days drinking after an intergalactic tournament. She had the strangest impression that she’d kissed this man and thoroughly enjoyed doing it, but that was impossible. She didn’t kiss strangers—no matter how drunk she was or how sexy they were.
    “ What just happened?” she asked. “One moment I’m watching my sister make a really stupid mistake, and the next I’m the one on stage with a cut finger and people are cheering. What in all the bounty of Jareth is going on here?”
    “ I do not know this Jareth.”
    “ It’s just an old saying. Where’s my sister?” she demanded. “I have to find my sister. Some guy was trying to make her a bride.”
    “ If she is here, we will find her.” The Mirek guy was smiling at her. She inched away from him, a little worried about his sanity. He continued, “This is truly a blessed day. Your sister is married. My brothers and cousins are married. I am sure you will see her very soon, and you must invite her to our castle